The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of veteran Nollywood actor Akiyesi, who reportedly died in his sleep in Abuja on Sunday.
The news was confirmed by the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abubakar Yakubu, who said the actor did not wake up after going to bed, describing the incident as sudden and deeply tragic.
According to Yakubu, Akiyesi’s remains have already been deposited at a mortuary in Abuja, where the incident occurred, while the guild awaits further information from his family regarding the circumstances surrounding his passing.
He added that details remain limited for now, as the family is still in the process of briefing the guild on what led to the actor’s unexpected death.
Akiyesi, who hailed from Ososo in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, began his Nollywood journey in the late 1990s and went on to build a steady career spanning over two decades.
He became widely recognised for his versatility and consistency, featuring in more than 100 films and earning a reputation as a dependable supporting actor and producer within the industry.
Some of his notable works include Marry Who You Love, Kiss My Pain, Heart of a Saint, Deadly Affair, Gen Z Wife, Olaedo The Fisher Girl, and The End Is Near, among others.
Following news of his death, tributes have begun to pour in across social media, with colleagues and fans expressing shock and sadness over the loss of a familiar face in Nollywood productions.
The AGN is expected to release additional details as they emerge from the actor’s family and official channels.
